Pin it
This recipe turns a handful of kitchen staples into a casserole your family will want on repeat. Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is my answer for those weeknights when comfort is the only thing that will do and time is short. The creamy chicken filling gets topped with a buttery, golden crust and every bite tastes like something you would eat at Dolly’s own kitchen table. It always brings my crew running as soon as the smell hits the air.
I first discovered this recipe at a friend’s potluck and it became an instant family favorite. Over time I have tweaked the toppings and fillings a bit but the original is always the one that brings the biggest smiles.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken: use rotisserie for ease and juicy texture
- Cream of chicken soup: look for a classic with a rich flavor base
- Sour cream: choose full fat for extra creaminess
- Shredded cheddar cheese: freshly grated melts best and gives a sharp bite
- Buttery crackers: go for classic varieties like Ritz for the flakiest crust
- Optional black pepper or dried parsley: for color and pop
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 Fahrenheit and grease a medium baking dish well so the casserole lifts easily when serving.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl add the shredded chicken cream of chicken soup sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well so the mixture is creamy and all the chicken is coated without dry spots.
- Assemble in the Baking Dish:
- Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the greased dish. Smooth the top so crumbs go on evenly in the next step.
- Add the Cracker Topping:
- Sprinkle the crushed buttery crackers over the chicken filling in an even layer. Gently press down with your hand or the back of a spoon to create a solid topping that will crisp up beautifully.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The aroma will signal it is nearly done.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and set aside for at least five minutes. This short rest allows the filling to set and makes slicing much neater.
Pin it
My favorite ingredient in this casserole is the cracker topping. Growing up my grandmother always let me crush the crackers which felt like a big job at the time. Sprinkling those buttery bits over the pan always signaled the last step before dinner time and now every time I make this the nostalgia brings a smile.
Storage Tips
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For freezing I recommend assembling the casserole but holding off on baking. Wrap well and freeze for up to two months then add the cracker topping and bake straight from the oven when ready to eat. This helps preserve that crunchy top we all love.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are missing an ingredient do not worry. Canned chicken can fill in for cooked chicken in a pinch just be sure to drain it well. Any creamy canned soup works here so feel free to swap for cream of mushroom or celery. For a gluten free version use gluten free crackers and a certified gluten free soup.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is filling enough to stand alone but I love pairing it with a bright green salad with crisp lettuce and tangy vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli help balance out the richness and buttery dinner rolls never go unappreciated at my table. For extra comfort a cozy bowl of soup alongside turns it into a true feast.
Cultural and Historical Context
Dolly Parton’s casserole is right at home in the tradition of Southern hospitality where simple ingredients come together for maximum comfort. Recipes like this go back generations relying on what you have on hand and stretching meals to feed a crowd. It is a dish that would fit in at any family reunion potluck or Sunday supper reminding us that sometimes the best food is also the most humble.
Pin it
A casserole this easy will disappear fast. Serve it hot and enjoy a Southern tradition made simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes, assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for freshness.
- → Are there options for the creamy base?
You can swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery to vary the casserole’s flavor.
- → Is there a recommended cheese substitution?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack cheeses work well if you’d like to experiment beyond cheddar.
- → How can I add vegetables?
Mix in frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots before baking to boost flavor, color, and nutrition.
- → What toppings work besides buttery crackers?
Try crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or cornflakes for a different crispy finish on top.
- → Can I use rotisserie or canned chicken?
Both are convenient; just shred or drain before mixing for an easy weeknight meal solution.